"I know people might laugh at that or think otherwise, but you know what? It doesn't matter what they think or how they feel about it. The only thing that matters is how I feel about it and what I believe."

Peterson, who has previously been nominated to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams four times, has begun working on a regimented rehab program that was created by the Vikings that could take at least eight months.

On Friday, he walked for the first time without crutches and he hopes to soon begin jogging in a pool.

Nevertheless, Peterson has vowed to return for the start of the 2012 season.

"I haven't thought about that [the possibility of not being back at full strength] once. I've been through a lot in life. I call out to a higher power, and I put my faith in Him and I know that anything I put my mind to, I will be able to accomplish."